A Witness to Life

Ashland #2

by Terence M. Green

“Eternity is in the present. Eternity is in the palm of the hand.”

On a streetcar, on Christmas Day, 1950, clutching the chrome rail in front of him, Martin Radey looks at the woman seated beside him, a stranger, and utters his last words: “I can’t breathe.” Like millions, billions before him, it is his turn to die.

But death is not what he expected. The journey has only begun. From 1880 to 1950, time happens to the world around him, not to memory, because memory, he discovers, is beyond time, traveling forward with him, shaping the earth, the sky, the heart.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Canada

192 pages, Hardcover

First published March 15, 1999

About the author

Green received a BA in English in 1967 from the University of Toronto, an MA from University College, Dublin, and a BEd in 1973 from the University of Toronto. He is the author of 8 books (7 novels and a short story collection) and is a 2-time World Fantasy Award finalist and a 5-time Prix Aurora Award finalist. His work has been translated into French, Italian, Danish, Polish and Portuguese.

Green is a lecturer of Creative Writing at The University of Western Ontario. He is married to Merle Casci and is the father of three sons.

Reviews

[Connie Lichtenberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written story of love, hardship, mistakes and most importantly family. The characters are easily transformed from the written word to living, breathing people. From the perspective of a man who is at first a young man without insight into the world around him to one who becomes overwhelmed with constantly questioning his choices. With a family tree to refer back to in the front of the book, following the birth, life, death and those effected by these events makes the story even more endearing. I haven't read his previous book, but now I definitely will.

[Brian Gaston · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a worthwhile book in the Ashland series, of which I am a fan.

[Kathy Piselli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as lyrical as #1 - the genealogy database and images of ads from old newspapers is a constant distraction. Still a good and satisfying yarn.

[Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as good as the first book. I couldn't put it down, first page to last in just over an hour.
I love how this gave more insight into Margaret's life and explained her father's choices in a way that tugs on your heart strings. It was great to learn more about the people from the first book, while seeing the story from a whole new view.

[Mia Isobelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

My absolute favorite book of all time 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 It's timeless and classic, full of heart wrenching metaphors and poignant glimpses of life gone in an instant. I want my physical copy back so badly 🥲🥲🥲

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great!

Amazing writing and amazing story! Looking forward to book 3!
Such a unusual series and so wonderful to read. Wow!! Don’t miss this series!

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yup…addicted to his writing. The title is exactly the story. Martain viewing his life, from the beyond. The good but mostly the regrets. Great writing. On to number 3

[Gary Scott Gebert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up at Goodwill among other books. I loved the story so much. There is truth in the words and the whole story just felt right. I highly recommend reading it.

[Heidi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting take on the narrator's look back on his life and values as he is passing out of this life as we know it. Not a profound read, but enough light drama from the 1900's is packed is this small story to easily digest.

[Andrea Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a wonderful book that filled me with peace and understanding. The story brought me to a joyful place and made me realize life is pure magic when we let it be that way.